The Four Rivers fountain of Rome and others
Fountains , fountains, Everywhere
An Architectural Paradise.
Almost everywhere you walk in old Rome(yes there are more modern parts), every corner that you turn brings a new and wonderful surprise for the first time visitor.
Who would have thought you could walk down a little side alley and come out right by the side of probably one of the most famous fountains in the World. The first time you see the Trevi Fountain it takes your breath away. The sheer size, the rushing water, the absolute beauty is awe inspiring and makes you want to go searching for more wonderful examples of water sculptures, and you will not be disappointed!
The Most Beatiful Baroque Fountain of them all
The Trevi
This Great Fountain stands at the junction of the Three Roads (tre vie) and marks the terminal point of one of Ancient Rome's aqueducts. It is Baroque and although designed by Bernini he never completed it due to lack of Papal funds.
In 1730 a contest for a newer design was established and many notable architects including Pietro Braci and Ferdinando Fuga entered the race.But it was Nicola Salvi who won the right to restart building it, solely based on price. In the end it took another 10yrs to complete, but had later additions designed by Pietro Braci and finally this exquisite structure was inaugurated on Sunday May 22 1762
Le Quattro Fiumi
Fontana di Quattro Fuimi (Fountain of the four Rivers)
This stands as the central fountain in the Piazza Navona. It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Innocent X, a member of the Pamphili family.
In the centre is an Ancient Egyptian obelisk which is topped by a dove carrying an olive twig, this being the family symbol.
The four rivers represented are The Nile, The Ganges, The Danube and The Plate, because at this time papal authority spread throughout the four continents where these great rivers still run today.
It was unveiled on 12th June 1651 hosted and paid for by the Pamphili family, in fact that meant paid for by public taxes!
Piazza Navona, Roma,Italia
Some other notable Fountains
Not just ornamental structures
Of course public fountains in Rome were not just built for looking at. they had purposes,first and foremost they were highly needed water sources as home plumbing was at a minimum in the city.
And secondly they stand to this day as monuments to the Papal patrons who had them erected, not only for public use, but to be remembered by. Although it is the beautiful sculptures and design that are the main attraction today.
